Why is Venice flooding? | ABC News

The mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro has said his city is "on its knees" after facing an unprecedented flooding event this month.

Water levels rose above 1.5 metres three times in a single week — it's never risen to that level even twice in a single year.

While the damage is still being assessed, there are fears there could be irreparable damage to some of Venice's historic treasures.

The famed Saint Mark's Basilica was flooded for just the sixth time in 1,200 years, but the fourth time in the last two decades.
The haunting sirens that warn Venetians of the acqua alta, or high waters, are becoming more frequent.

Mr Brugnaro has blamed climate change, saying Venice is "in the trenches" in the fight against rising tides.

But is there more to the city's woes, and can the floods ever be stopped?

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